Ralph Lauren — The Man Behind The Brand
How He Built A Luxury Empire
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Ralph Lifshitz was born on October 14, 1939 in Bronx, New York.
At 16, he changes his name to Lauren due to constant bullying.
After graduating high school, he drops out of a business degree from university and served in the US Army for two years.
After that, he became a sales assistant at Brooks Brothers for a short while, followed by a sales position at Rivetz Ties.
When he was 28 and working at Beau Brummell, he convinced them to let him start his own tie line, resulting in the Ralph Lauren Corporation.
A year later, at 29, he launches the first line of menswear.
Within a couple years, he becomes the first designer to have a independent boutique in Bloomingdale’s, then opens his first standalone store.
Women shirts soon followed along with the famous embroidered pony.
At 33, he introduced the iconic polo shirt in 17 colours, and the rest is history.
1 Lesson from Ralph Lauren
Don’t be fooled by labels.
Ralph Lauren advocates for feeling good in your own skin.
If something is important for you, show it. Whether it’s a piece of jewellery, or a unique item of clothing, wear it with pride, regardless of brand or label.
Ralph Lauren himself does this too, often mixing high-end pieces with simpler items, demonstrating that true style comes from self-expression and authenticity.
Stay true to yourself.